Low-Cost Propagation of Passiflora edulis using Household Ingredients: A Hydroponic Approach for Smallholder Farmers
Keywords:
Passiflora edulis, acetic acid, asexual propagation , cost-effectiveness, hydroponics, smallholder agricultureAbstract
Abstract
Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is a high-value tropical crop with significant nutritional and economic importance, yet conventional propagation methods remain costly and inaccessible for small-scale farmers. This study evaluated an innovative, low-cost propagation technique using household ingredients vinegar (acetic acid), sugar, and baking soda as alternatives to commercial rooting hormones in a hydroponic system. A completely randomized design was implemented with five treatment concentrations (A–E) and a control (F), replicated four times over eight weeks. Nodal cuttings were suspended in Styrofoam-supported hydroponic cups containing treatment solutions, with growth parameters (bud number, bud height, leaf number, root number, and root length) monitored weekly. Results demonstrated that Treatment B (75 mL vinegar, 68.35 g sugar, 59.55 g baking soda per 2 L) achieved optimal propagation outcomes, producing 5.0 ± 0.5 roots (mean ± SE) with 3.0 ± 0.2 cm length and 7.0 ± 0.5 leaves by week 8, significantly outperforming controls (*p* < 0.001, ANOVA). Lower (A, C) and higher (D–E) concentrations showed reduced efficacy or inhibitory effects, indicating a concentration-dependent response. Statistical analysis confirmed the treatment’s significant impact on all growth parameters (F(5, 18) = 24.7–73.2, *p* < 0.01), while time (weeks 4–8) drove 80% of root and shoot development (*p* < 0.05). A cost-benefit analysis revealed an 85% reduction in input costs compared to synthetic auxins (per 100 cuttings), with no significant difference in rooting success rates (*p* = 0.51). These findings highlight vinegar-based solutions as a scalable, economically viable propagation method for P. edulis, particularly in resource limited settings. Future research should validate field applicability and long-term plant performance. This study bridges the gap between traditional practices and scientific innovation, offering a sustainable tool for smallholder farmers to enhance passion fruit production.
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